5 Interesting facts about Jamaica
Jamaica is world renowned for reggae music, Usain Bolt and Bob Marley and for having one of the most recognizable flag in the world. However how many of these 5 interesting facts about Jamaica did you know?
1. National Symbols
Among Jamaica’s national symbols are:
The National flag – This has a diagonal cross or saltire with four triangles in juxtaposition. The diagonal cross is GOLD and one-sixth of the length of the fly of the flag; the top and bottom triangles are in GREEN; and the hoist and fly triangles are in BLACK. The exact shade of green used in the flag is Emerald T8 17, British Admiralty Bunting Pattern. “The sun shineth, the land is green and the people are strong and creative” is the symbolism of the colours of the flag. Black depicts the strength and creativity of the people; Gold, the natural wealth and beauty of sunlight; and GREEN, hope and agricultural resources.
The Jamaican Coat of Arms – The arms show a male and female Taino (native people of Jamaica) standing on either side of the shield which bears a red cross with five golden pineapples superimposed on it. The Crest is a Jamaican crocodile surmounting the Royal Helmet and Mantlings.
National Flower – The Lignum Vitae (Guiacum officinale) is indigenous to Jamaica and was found here by Christopher Columbus. It is thought that the name “Wood of Life” was then adopted because of its medicinal qualities. The tree grows best in the dry woodlands along both the North and South coasts of the island. In addition to shedding an attractive blue flower, the plant itself is extremely ornamental. The wood is used for
propeller shaft bearings in nearly all the ships sailing the Seven Seas, and because of these, in shipyears, etc., the Lignum Vitae and Jamaica are closely associated. The wood is also used in the manufacturing of curios, sought after by visitors and nationals alike. There is also a thriving export trade.
National Tree – The Blue Mahoe (Hibiscus elatus) has been regarded as one of Jamaica’s primary economic timbers. It is currently used for reforestation and is a valuable source of cabinet timber. Of an attractive blue-green colour with variegated yellow instrusions, it is capable of taking a high polish showing to advantage the variety of grain and colour tones. The trade, local and foreign, consumes annually many thousands of feet of this beautiful timber.
National Fruit – Ackee (Blighia sapida). It was originally imported to the country from West Africa in 1778. Though it is a fruit it is only eaten cooked. It is a favourite of most Jamaicans when it is had with salt fish (cod fish) and boiled ground provision.
National bird – The “Doctor Bird” or Swallowtail Humming Bird lives only in Jamaica and is one of the most outstanding of the 320 species of Humming Birds. It is well to note that the beautiful feathers of these birds have no counterpart in the entire bird population and produce iridescent colours, characteristics only of that family. The Doctor Bird has been immortalised for many decades in Jamaican folklore and songs.
2. Currency
The Jamaican dollar (JMD) is the legal currency used in the country since 1969. After several changes the notes in use today include the following:
JMD $50
JMD $100
JMD $1000
JMD $5000
And the coins include:
JMD $1 coin
JMD $5 coin
JMD $10 coin
JMD $20 coin
3. Population
The latest available statistics provided by the Government of Jamaica as of 2018 shows that the population of Jamaica is 2,726,667. Of this amount 1,376,427 are females and 1,350,240 are males.
In 2012 the parishes with the largest population were Kingston & St. Andrew with 666,041; St. Catherine with 518,345 and Clarendon with 246,322. There is also a significant population of Jamaicans living in the USA, U.K and Canada.
4. Import and Export
Alumina, bauxite, sugar, rum, coffee, yams, beverages, chemicals and mineral fuels are Jamaica’s main exports. Main export partners are US, Canada, the United Kingdom, Russia and the Netherlands.
Jamaica’s main imports are food and other consumer goods, industrial suppliers, fuel, parts and accessories of capital goods, machinery and transport equipment, construction materials. Main sources of imports are US, Trinidad and Tobago, China, Venezuela and Brazil.
5. Famous Jamaicans
Among the most famous Jamaicans are:
- Marcus Garvey – Born in the parish of St. Ann is this political leader who advocated for Black Nationalism and Pan-Africanism movements. He founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association and African Communities League. Garvey advanced a Pan-African philosophy which inspired a global mass movement, known as Garveyism. Garveyism would eventually inspire others, from the Nation of Islam to the Rastafari movement.
- Bob Marley – another native of St. Ann, this Reggae singer is often credited for bringing Reggae music to the world. He is probably the most famous of all Jamaicans.
- Usain Bolt – this world record holder in the 100m and 200m is the fastest man of all time. He led a group of Jamaicans that drove fear in their opponents and caused many to ask “why do Jamaicans run so fast?”
- Lousie Bennett- Coverley – a poet, actress and lecturer. Affectionately called Miss Lou. She is famous for being one of the first to use Jamaican patwa to tell the story of Jamaicans from all social and economic background. Her work brought pride to all Jamaicans.
- Shelly Ann Fraser-Pryce – this track and field athlete became the first Caribbean woman to win gold in the 100m event at the 2008 Olympics. She managed to defend her title in the 2012 games held in London and became the first non-American woman to do so. Her other achievements include her victories at four World Championships.